Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe Themes & Motifs

Fannie Flagg

This Study Guide consists of approximately 53 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more -
everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.

Being True To Yourself

For the most part, the novel sends a very strong message to readers that it is important to stay true to yourself if you want to achieve true happiness. The reader sees this most strongly in Idgie’s character. Even as a child, Idgie was different from other little girls, and hints of her lesbianism – which never would have been acknowledged in the 1920’s – was clear from an early age. She dressed like, acted like, and for all intents and purposes wanted to be, a boy. Despite the fact that she was ostracized for her “subversive” lifestyle, Idgie swore to herself and to Ruth that she would never change, suggesting that she would never let gender expectations bend her into a more “acceptable” version of a woman. She remained faithful only to herself for her entire life. She was a good person who...